SASKATOON — A Saskatchewan delegation of seven First Nations chiefs expressed optimism about the brief meeting they had with King Charles III on Wednesday morning, March 11, where they formally invited the monarch to attend the 150th commemoration of the signing of Treaty 6. It is not yet known if the King will attend the ceremony.
The historic private audience with King Charles was meaningful, given the significance of the meeting with First Nations leaders whose communities were among those in Saskatchewan and Alberta that signed Treaty 6 with the Crown in August 1876 at Fort Carlton.
The meeting also emphasized the relationship between the Treaty 6 First Nations and the Crown and provided an opportunity for Treaty 6 leaders to discuss important treaty matters directly with the Crown, including hunting and fishing rights and the right to health care under the Treaty 6 Medicine Chest Clause.
Chiefs Larry Ahenakew (Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation), Daryl Watson (Mistawasis Nêhiyawak), Edwin Ananas (Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation) and Christine Longjohn (Sturgeon Lake First Nation) had diverse reactions after meeting the reigning monarch.
“It was an honour to be the first invited into the room to lead the delegation into the audience. It’s gratifying to know that the first invitation we sent from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation led to the moment where we could have an audience, which means something,” said Ahenakew.
Watson said: “The visit was quite positive. The King was welcoming and was engaged, asking questions about what is happening on First Nations and how Treaties are being implemented and honoured. He is committed to upholding the honour of the Crown under the Treaty.”
Ananas added that when treaties were signed, such as Treaty 6, the signatories expressed their intention to renew the agreements annually to reflect the ongoing partnership and relationship between First Nations and the Crown.
“This meeting was an opportunity to reaffirm the sacred and irrevocable relationship between Treaty 6 First Nations and the Crown, based on peace, friendship and respect. Under the Treaty, dialogue should continually happen with respect to ensuring mutual benefits,” said Ananas.
Longjohn added: “Each of us carried the message from our people — that Treaty will last as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows. What we do today must honour our children and the generations yet to come.”
The visit also included a stop at Canada House, where the leaders met with Canadian Deputy High Commissioner Robert Fry. The High Commission of Canada team was supportive during the audience with the King and worked to ensure the visit went smoothly.
The 51 First Nations signatories to Treaty 6 across Saskatchewan and Alberta have been invited to the 150th commemoration. Invitations have also been extended to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governor General Mary Simon and other federal and provincial dignitaries. Further details regarding the Treaty 6 150th commemoration will be shared in the coming months.
“The sacred pipe was lifted to signify the sacred Treaties, our Treaties are international law, our Treaties protect our way of life on the land. We will continue to advocate for King Charles to attend the 150th Treaty 6 gathering at the Fort Carlton location,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.
